I have a lot of clothes, and in the dozen or so homes I've lived in, many have had very little closet space. Here is 12+ years worth of tips on how to cram your stuff into the minimal space you have. Women may benefit the most from these tips, but men might learn a thing or two!

The personal images I link to below are from this album of my current closet situation.

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General Tips

Use ALL available space, but keep it organized.

Keep out-of-season (winter/summer) clothes out of the way.

You're more likely to wear something if you can see it.

Keep 1-2 hooks empty for quick-n-dirty clean up.

Don't forget the backs of deep shelves, and high-up places.

Hanging Clothes

Try installing a second closet rod above your main one. This basically doubles your hanging space. Buy a stool (my preference) or a reaching rod for access. I have often done this myself on the cheap–search around for tutorials or visit your local home improvement store.

Matching hangers makes everything look so nice. I have these Joy Mangano ones and I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. I bought a 200-pack or something like that when it was on special. Worth it.

If you are using a dresser or other drawers, stack clothes vertically rather than horizontally. (See tip 3.) I do this for everything including tights, socks, PJs, and even underwear! By the way, folding your underwear saves space but people may call you OCD. Weigh your options wisely!

Other Accessories

Hang scarves on towel racks–you can get one for less than $4 at your local home improvement store. I have two on the inside of a closet door, but have also had this hanging over a boot bookcase (see above) on the wall before.

For belts, jewelry, sunglasses, and basically everything else ever, buy some screw in hooks in bulk at the home improvement store, and leave no wall or cabinet space uncovered. These are also very handy in the kitchen. They work best if you drill a hole first.

Corral smaller items into open boxes, jars, and cups purchased at thrift stores.

Items that you intend to use infrequently can be hidden away in boxes. Those are Ikea, and hold travel organization tools, special occasion undies, and hats.

Creating More Space

Only kind of handy? Get a stud-finder, drill, closet brackets, a shelf and closet rod. Install brackets, add shelf on top, slip rod into place. Beware of how much your wardrobe weighs; you may need more than two of those brackets. Note: I once installed just the shelf, then had a towel rod underneath for scarves, and below that was the boots bookshelf.

Many of the photos are of my current storage situation which includes two separate closets and an enormous armoire, so I left plenty of unfilled space. However, I will soon be moving to a smaller apartment where I will have one dresser and half of a closet!

So tell me, what other tips do you have for closet organization and space saving (or creating)?